Causeway Coast and Ballymena schools explore future of agriculture and food production in ABP Angus Youth Challenge

Pupils presented their ideas and research through displays that demonstrated their knowledge of the issues facing the agri-food sector.

From the application of Artificial Intelligence in beef production to animal health and the consumption of beef within global cuisines, the exhibition at Balmoral Park highlighted the breadth of young people’s interests in agrifood and their ability to communicate them to a panel of judges.

The ABP Angus Youth Challenge is delivered by ABP in partnership with the Certified Irish Angus Producer Group. It invites Year 11 pupils across Northern Ireland to explore agriculture and the wider agri-food industry through research, teamwork and practical learning.

Schools do not need to have a farming background to participate, making the Challenge an opportunity for young people from urban and rural communities alike to learn more about where food comes from and the people, skills and technology involved in producing it.

George Mullan, Managing Director of ABP in Northern Ireland said: “The ABP Angus Youth Challenge demonstrates what can be achieved when education and the agri-food sectors work together to give young people meaningful opportunities to learn and develop.

"We are grateful to all those who encourage and support participation in schools, and to the industry representatives who give their time and expertise to judge their displays.”

Charles Smith of Certified Irish Angus added: “We were delighted to have schools from every county in Northern Ireland represented, with both new and returning participants. Their projects demonstrated curiosity, initiative, and a clear ambition to gain a place in the final.”

The successful teams to go through to the final will be announced later in the year.